Melton tenpin bowler Katie Tagg lands world championship call-up

The 18-year-old A-level pupil will travel to Nebraska with the England under 21s tenpin bowling team to take part in the World Youth Championships, starting on July 24.

Katie was among seven girls asked to attend an assessment day at Barnsley Bowl earlier this month on the back of her fabulous European Championship debut where she gained four medals.

They were put through their paces both technically and mentally to assess their ability at adapt to different playing conditions and the pressures of bowling on the biggest stage.

Having encountered the strength of the Europeans she now takes on not only the perennial powerhouses Americans, but also the might of the Asian bowlers who are traditionally very strong.

Katie will bowl singles, doubles and take part in the team competition, as she did in Iceland, and will aim for a place in the top 24 and entry to the masters event.

It is a dream come true for the Melton teenager who has gone from strength to strength since narrowly missing out on selection to the Europeans last year.

Proud dad Dave said: “Katie has achieved what she set out to do when she first picked up a bowling ball.

“She now has to juggle her training with studying for her A-levels, but she has the character and determination to make sure she is well prepared in the US.”